Investing in a quality pair of leather shoes is one of the best decisions you can make for your wardrobe. While you may have an overflowing closet of clothes, when it comes to footwear, 1-2 pairs of leather shoes can cover a lot of ground. So, it’s worth taking the time to choose wisely and maintain them well. Once you’ve picked out that perfect pair, the next step is ensuring they last for years to come.
Here’s how to care for your new leather shoes:
Break Them In the Right Way
High-quality leather shoes rarely feel perfect straight out of the box. In fact, they might feel stiff and even a bit painful at first. Leather shoes need time to mold to your feet - a process known as "breaking in." This can take several weeks, similar to breaking in raw denim.
If your shoes are uncomfortable, don’t wear them for too long at a time. Start by wearing them for just a few hours a day, but do so consistently. I like to call this "exercising" your shoes. Once they’re fully broken in, you’ll appreciate their comfort and the perfect fit.
Let Them Rest
While breaking them in is important, giving your leather shoes some downtime is just as crucial. Let them breathe between wears to avoid overstretching. Ideally, if you wear them a few times a week, give them at least one full day of rest in between.
Daily Maintenance
Don’t just kick off your shoes and forget about them. A little daily care goes a long way. After wearing them, wipe off any dirt with a soft cloth or brush. Insert wooden shoe trees to help them retain their shape and absorb moisture. If made of cedar, they’ll also leave a fresh scent behind.
Proper Storage
Always store your leather shoes with shoe trees in place
Keep them in a cool, dry spot away from direct sunlight. For extra protection, use dust bags
Never store leather shoes in plastic, as this can cause mold or mildew
Use a Leather Conditioner
Just like your skin, leather needs moisture to stay soft and smooth. In addition to polishing your shoes about once a week, condition the leather every four wears. A good leather conditioner keeps them supple and helps prevent creasing.
How to apply: Spread a thin, even layer of conditioner over the shoes. Let it absorb for about two hours, then wipe off any excess with a soft cloth. This step is great to do before you polish them.
Taking a little time for proper care will ensure your leather shoes stay comfortable and looking sharp for years to come.
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